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General manager Kevin Towers confirmed the deal late Monday afternoon, saying it was contingent on Kubel passing a physical. The contract includes a mutual option for a third year.

The addition comes as something of a surprise because it would send left fielder Gerardo Parra to the bench as the Diamondbacks’ fourth outfielder. Parra had a breakthrough season a year ago, batting .292 and winning a Gold Glove as one of the game’s best defensive outfielders.

Kubel would add a lefthanded-hitting slugger to the batting order in home run-friendly Chase Field. He had 104 home runs and 429 RBIs in seven seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

The 29-year-old outfielder was limited by injury to 99 games last season, batting .273 with12 homers and 58 RBIs. In 2010, Kubel hit .249 in 143 games with 21 home runs and 92 RBIs. His best season came in 2009, when he batted .300, hit 28 home runs and drove in 102.

The Twins had talked about re-signing Kubel but chose instead to sign ex-Oakland slugger Josh Willingham. Kubel is the third longtime Minnesota player to leave as a free agent this offseason. Closer Joe Nathan signed with Texas and outfielder Michael Cuddyer signed with Colorado.

The Diamondbacks apparently would try to get Parra a significant amount of playing time as the backup in all three outfield positions. The reigning NFC West champions have Chris Young in center and Justin Upton in right. When Arizona plays interleague games on the road, Kubel probably would be the designated hitter, opening more playing time for Parra.

In this hour, John talked to Amelia about what's going to be on the news tonight. Then he discussed an awkward exchange at Torii Hunter's press conference. Finally he talked about his own memory problems and asked listeners if they have simliar troubles.

In this hour, John listened in to some of the Twins press conference re-introducing Torii Hunter. Then he talked to Mike Max about what to expect from Torii. Then he talked about the 50th anniversary of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special

In his first hour on Sunday, Steve ran down the NFL scores and talked about the Vikings win over Washington. Then he talked to Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller about the liklihood that Paul Molitor will be the next Twins manager